Stormwater Runoff

Mike Fritz from the Chesapeake Bay Program explains why stormwater runoff is a major source of pollution and what we can do to prevent it. (Matt Rath/Chesapeake Bay Program)

Mr. Trash Wheel, a machine with large eyes, wheels and a chute, before a city skyline. Litter collection figures for 2020 appear in six categories: cigarette butts, chip bags, glass bottles, polystyrene, plastic bottles and plastic bags. — Litter smothers aquatic plants and bottom-dwelling organisms, adds toxic contaminants to the water and makes animals sick. Trash traps like the water wheels in Baltimore capture and collect litter and debris. (Data provided by the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.)

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Mr. Trash Wheel, a machine with large eyes, wheels and a chute, before a city skyline. Litter collection figures for 2020 appear: 458,890 cigarette butts; 775,842 chip bags; 1,160 glass bottles; 158,320 polystyrene; 226,160 plastic bottles; 48,690 plastic bags.

FAQ

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is precipitation in an urban or suburban area that does not evaporate or soak into the ground but instead runs across the land and into the nearest waterway.

What are impervious surfaces?

Impervious surfaces are paved or hardened surfaces that do not allow water to pass through. Roads, rooftops, sidewalks, pools, patios and parking lots are all impervious surfaces.

What can be done to ease the effects of development?

There are many low-impact development techniques that can be installed around homes and buildings. Rain gardens, porous pavement and green roofs are a few techniques that will help reduce pollution from developed areas.

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Terms

Chemical contaminants

Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, metals and other toxic substances that can harm the health of both humans and wildlife.

Impervious

A hardened surface or area that does not allow water to pass through. For example, roads, rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, pools, patios and parking lots are all impervious surfaces.

Nutrients

Chemicals that plants and animals need to grow and survive but, in excess amounts, can harm aquatic environments. Elevated levels of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous are the main cause of poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

Precipitation

Rain, snow, sleet or hail that falls to the ground.

Stormwater

Any precipitation in an urban or suburban area that does not evaporate or soak into the ground, but instead collects and flows into storm drains, rivers and streams. Stormwater is also called urban stormwater, stormwater runoff and polluted runoff. Increased development across the Chesapeake Bay watershed has made stormwater the fastest growing source of pollution to the Bay and its rivers and streams.

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